In a stunning overtime finish, 18-year-old Teddy Stiga scored the biggest goal of his young career to clinch gold for Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
The Boston College freshman, picked 55th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2024, found himself on a breakaway against Finland’s goalie in the extra period. With ice-cold nerves, he slipped the puck into the net, sealing a dramatic 4-3 victory.
It was Stiga’s first goal of the tournament – and what a moment to get it.
His teammates poured onto the ice in celebration as Team USA made history, winning back-to-back gold medals for the first time ever.
While Stiga played hero in the final, it was Ryan Leonard who dominated throughout the tournament. The Washington Capitals prospect and Boston College sophomore took home MVP honors after racking up five goals and five assists.
The American dominance didn’t stop there. Teammates Gabe Perrault and Cole Hutson joined Leonard on the All-Star team selected by media.
Finland’s silver medal run was pretty impressive too. They knocked off powerhouse Team Canada in the group stage and took down Sweden in the semis before falling just short in the final.
The Czech Republic rounded out the podium, beating Sweden for bronze earlier Sunday.
For young Stiga, it was the kind of moment kids dream about in their backyards – scoring in overtime to win gold for their country. Not bad for his first goal of the tournament.
